Comparative analysis of neonatal mortality causes between premature and term newborns in an intensive care unit

Background: Neonatal mortality accounts for up to 70% of infant deaths and 50% of deaths in children under five. This study aims to quantify neonatal mortality rates per 1000 live births and identify common causes, comparing premature and term infants. The findings will assist in developing effective preventive strategies to reduce neonatal mortality. Methods: This observational, comparative, and retrospective study analyzes neonatal death records from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2024. It examines general variables such as age, weight, gender, and trophism, as well as specific pathologies including cardiac, respiratory, neurological, gastrointestinal, and infectious conditions. Binary logistic regression was utilized for statistically significant variables. Results: In the study period, there were 263 deaths, with 215 (81.7%) occurring in premature infants. This group showed significantly higher mortality due to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (58.6% vs. 10.4%, p < 0.05) and late-onset sepsis (12.6% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.05). In contrast, term infants had greater mortality from persistent pulmonary hypertension (12.5% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.05) and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (16.7% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.05). The remaining variables were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The neonatal mortality rate was 16.3/1000 live births. Premature infants predominantly died from RDS and late-onset sepsis, whereas term infants had higher mortality rates due to persistent pulmonary hypertension and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.